Alkegen's Groundbreaking Development in Fire-Resistant Aerogel for EV Batteries
In a significant advancement for the electric vehicle (EV) sector, Alkegen has officially initiated large-scale production of its revolutionary AlkeGel™ aerogel. This innovative fire-resistant material aims to enhance the safety of lithium-ion batteries, addressing a critical need in the rapidly expanding EV market.
Expanding Product Portfolio for OEMs
Based in Irving, Texas, Alkegen is renowned as a leading global supplier of cell spacers and now offers a comprehensive range of thermal and electrical insulation solutions tailored for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The introduction of AlkeGel™ marks a strategic expansion of Alkegen’s product lineup, aiming to provide OEMs with a wide array of optimized solutions that combine performance, design flexibility, and scalable production capabilities.
John Dandolph, CEO of Alkegen, emphasized the importance of this development: "We have adapted a proven platform from the industrial sector specifically for one of the world's fastest growing markets: battery safety in EVs. Automakers no longer need to rely on a single supplier in North America for this critical component."
Innovative Features of AlkeGel™
At the core of this offering is AlkeGel™, a next-generation fiber-aerogel composite designed to meet the OEMs' requirements for ultra-thin, safe thermal runaway protection solutions. Unlike traditional aerogels, AlkeGel™ is low dust, eliminating the need for complete encapsulation, which, in turn, allows for simpler, more cost-effective designs that fit more seamlessly in space-constrained EV battery packs.
Chad Cannan, Alkegen's Chief Technology Officer, noted, "Automakers need reliable and scalable partners. With AlkeGel™, they now have a superior option. AlkeGel™ has proven to be significantly less dusty than conventional aerogel insulators, making it easier to convert, safer to handle, and more adaptable to complex geometries."
Alkegen’s advancements in aerogel technology bolster its leadership in cell spacer technology by providing a complete insulation range, including thermal envelopes and barriers, affording EV manufacturers the flexibility to tailor materials to their specific applications.
Meeting Industry Demand
Marty Melhorn, President of Battery Pack and Advanced Mobility at Alkegen, remarked, "The EV industry has been waiting for a credible second source of fire-resistant aerogel insulation in North America. AlkeGel™ is here, and we are producing at scale, and we are just getting started."
Key Highlights of AlkeGel™:
- - Full Commercial Production: Launch of AlkeGel™ for thermal propagation materials in EV batteries.
- - Low Dust Design: Simplifies handling, eliminates encapsulation needs, and reduces integration time.
- - Global Footprint: Strategic production sites across North America and Europe.
- - Comprehensive Insulation Range: Includes cell compression pads, thermal envelopes, and barriers for EV platforms.
By offering OEMs more options and greater design freedom, Alkegen is reshaping the future of safety, performance, and innovation in electric vehicles. To explore AlkeGel™, visit
www.alkegel.com. For more information on Alkegen, check out
www.alkegen.com.
About Alkegen
Alkegen specializes in high-performance materials utilized in advanced applications such as electric vehicles, energy storage, filtration, fire protection, and high-temperature insulation, among others. Committed to energy efficiency, pollution reduction, and enhanced safety for people and structures, Alkegen operates over 60 production sites across 12 countries and employs more than 7,500 people worldwide. Their mission is to help the world breathe better, live greener, and go further than ever before.